Q: Back to school. Create a reading list for the imaginary English Lit class you’ll be teaching this semester.

My answer: Argh. I haven't read much myself, so how could I teach this imaginary course? I'm going to cop-out and give a list of books that I probably should read:

Because the basis for any course is the classics: something by Shakespeare (maybe Romeo and Juliet and/or The Merchant of Venice), something by Charles Dickens, and ok, ok, something by Jane Austen. Oh, and Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll.

More titles that come to mind: something by George Orwell - Animal Farm or 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

I don't know ... maybe I'll check out everyone's answers and see what else I should be reading!

If you don't like a book that you said you would review, do you graciously turn it down and explain why or do you struggle through it and hopefully come up with a half decent review?

My answer: Personally, I review every book that I commit to reviewing, whether I liked it or not. There will always be a book I struggle through but if I did struggle through it, then I say so and explain why. I don't see the point in not reviewing books that I didn't like ... is this to spare authors a "negative" review (read: potentially constructive criticism so they can better their writing)? I love reviews that are honest and respectful. I dread the thought of book bloggers not being able to feel comfortable in voicing their opinions freely.

I do love your answer for the Book Blogger Hop, like you I feel like if I've already committed to reviewing said book I must at the very least try and read said book. Check out my answers for this week's friday hop ;)

I also think constructive criticism is really important when it comes to writing, otherwise there's no way to improve. I always review it as well, but I will mention it if I dislike things about the book! I still haven't read any George Orwell, I feel like a terrible Lit student! XD Thanks for sharing, I hope you have a great weekend! My Friday PostJuli @ Universe in Words

I love Lewis Carroll - his writing is so weird that it's endearing. If you get a chance you should read his 'poem' (thought it's more like a book) Jabberwocky. It's just fantastic in all of its nonsense! There's a couple of snippets of it in Through The Looking Glass - the 'sequel' to Alice in Wonderland).

Bravo, about your answer regarding negative reviews!Of the books you listed that you must read, I only feel passionately about "To Kill A Mockingbird." You absolutely should read that one! And I should re-read it. Though I loved it, I haven't touched it since high school.

I've only ever read one Dickens novel, "Our Mutual Friend," and most of it has slipped my mind by now. I'm planning to read "Great Expectations" soon, however, as I loved the Gwyneth Paltrow/Ethan Hawke movie (maybe that's embarrassing to admit, I'm not sure), AND in preparation of receiving an ARC of Havisham, which looks really cool!:http://www.amazon.com/Havisham-A-Novel-Ronald-Frame/dp/1250037271

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